Muse & the Marketplace 2019

In a story, novel, or memoir, an image system is a set of related descriptive details adding up to a larger constellation of sensory information. Image systems are an important but infrequently discussed technique for crafting stories that accumulate meaning and resonate on a subliminal level. These hidden patterns appeal to the deep-rooted human affinity for unity and order, and contribute to a gripping reading experience. But they must be organic to the story in question, and they must be used with subtlety and skill.

In this practical, interactive craft talk, we’ll use passages from modern and classic novelists to illustrate the uses of image systems. We'll discuss ways to recognize and harness material that may already exist within your own work-in-progress to increase its emotional impact.